Dubai: The battle for second place in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Test rankings at the 1 April cut-off date resulted in a photo-finish between England and India on Tuesday.

In the end, the draw at Auckland in the third and final Test against New Zealand handed England the No.2 rank while India finished third. South Africa had already sealed their position as the No.1 ranked Test side, meaning they not only retained the Test mace but are also assured of USD 450,000.

England will receive USD 350,000 for finishing second while India get USD 250,000 for third. Australia will bag USD 150,000 for being fourth.

England needed to win or draw the Auckland Test to secure the second position while India not only needed to win the Delhi Test but also had to hope for a New Zealand victory. Had New Zealand won the series 1-0, India could have finished in the second position and could have earned USD 350,000. India, for their 4-0 whitewash of the Australians, gained seven ranking points to finish the season on 112. While England lost four points after all their three Tests against the Kiwis ended in a draw.

South Africa, with 128 points, have already sealed its position as the number-one ranked Test side at the cut-off date and have been assured of a reward of USD 450,000. Zimbabwe are currently unranked as they have played insufficient matches. They have 263 points and a rating of 38.